Trans fats increase risk of developing Alzheimer's

People with higher levels of blood trans-fats are 50-75% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or dementia, CNN reported referring to Neurology magazine.

"This study demonstrates that there are negative 'brain/cognitive' outcomes, in addition to the known cardiovascular outcomes, that are related to a diet that has (a) high content of trans fats," said neurologist Dr. Neelum T. Aggarwal.

More than 1,000 Japanese men and women without dementia have been observed for 10 years. A blood test for trans fat levels was performed at the beginning of the study, and their diets were analyzed.

Researchers considered other factors that could affect the risk of developing dementia, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. They found that people with the highest levels of trans fats are 52% and 74% more likely to develop dementia than people with a low level.